Why celebrate Arbor Day?

J. Sterling Morton was a Nebraska newspaper man who advocated tree planting in his articles and to community organizations.  Eventually he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory where in 1872 he proposed “Arbor Day” to be a tree planting holiday.  The tradition of Arbor Day began in schools nationwide in 1882.     

 Not only do schools participate over 100 years later, but businesses, park and recreation programs, municipalities, etc!  As acting community outreach coordinator at Southwest Conservation Corps I wanted to do something to involve local teens in an Arbor Day event.  My intention was to teach them the value of trees to reduce erosion of topsoil, rainwater harvesting for native trees and plants, and participate in the planting process.  I believe that teaching youth the benefits of conservation early on will become a way of life – second nature – and will lend a hand to saving the earth in the long run.   

 A Great Arbor Day Celebration!

 Southwest Conservation Corps Sonoran Desert recently partnered with Ironwood Tree Experience, Prescott College, 4-H High Ropes Course, and the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona to celebrate Arbor Day and Global Youth Service Day at the 4-H High Ropes Course. 

After a month of weekly planning meetings Arbor Day arrived cool with a light cloud cover and soft breeze.  30 students from the Southern Arizona Community Academy and Cesar Chavez Middle School came to help with the work at the 4-H High Ropes Course.  With so many students we quickly exceeded our work goal!  Three long terraces were dug and berms shaped on the sloping northern end of the lot.  We used urbanite (broken concrete) to reinforce the stability of the berms.  At the end of the day the students planted a few trees! 

It was estimated that 25,000 gallons of rainwater travels down that slope per year.  Now with the work that has been started, we will channel that water to recently planted native species.  We are creating both a visual wind barrier and natural habitat for wild animals.  It was amazing to see the dedication in the eyes of the students as they wielded shovels, McClouds and rakes to work the slope into a veritable work of art! 

 This is just the first step in a concentrated effort to make this High Ropes Course a restored native habitat for kids, nature and community.

 “Each generation takes the earth as trustees.”

                ~ J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day Founder

Jean Hickman 

Community Outreach Coordinator

AmeriCorps*VISTA Member